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Mopar, Not Dodge, Delivers Special-Edition Charger

Mopar has been making Chrysler parts for nearly 75 years. It now makes Chrysler cars, too.

Building on the sales success of last year’s special-edition Mopar Challenger, the parts and service arm of Chrysler Group has devised a Mopar 11 Charger. The vehicle was displayed at the New Yorkauto show on Thursday.
“We are the only parts manufacturer with its name on the car,” said Pietro Gorlier, Mopar’s chief executive, at a press conference. “The Mopar 11 features enhanced handling, enhanced acceleration and enhanced personalization.”

Visually, the vehicle is distinguished by its off-center racing stripe, Mopar name badge and five-spoke wheels. Inside, touches like a pistol-grip shifter, specially designed seats and various unique trim bits distinguish it from its Charger brethren. Mechanically, the vehicle gets a low-ratio (3:91) rear axle for quick launches from a stop.

The Mopar 11 is powered by a Hemi V-8, producing 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. “It will do 0-60s in the low 5-second range,” Mr. Gorlier said.

Handling has also been improved, with beefier stabilizer bars and strut-tower braces.

The car’s presence in New York coincided with announcements of Mopar’s recent work with other providers of vehicles parts and services, including Italy’s Magneti Marelli, as well as Pennzoil, to increase Mopar’s presence in auto-repair and service functions through Chrysler Group dealerships.

“This area was probably not given the right level of attention the last two years,” Mr. Gorlier said. “But whether it’s service, parts or customer care, we are now fully leveraging the Mopar brand at every turn.”

The Mopar 11 package goes on sale August 11. A Charger so equipped will have an M.S.R.P. of $39,750, excluding destination charge — roughly a $9,000 premium over the 2011 Charger R/T V-8.